2 years ago
Florida Panther winger Richard Zednik held his first news conference since his life-threatening injury suffered in Buffalo on February 10.
In his opening comments, Zednik said he wanted "to thank everyone in Buffalo? for the treatment he received since his injury.
Zednik was injured in a game against Buffalo when a teammate's skate nearly severed his carotid artery causing him to lose 5 units of blood. Medical staff at HSBC arena and doctors at Buffalo General Hospital are credited with saving his life through quick actions. Zednik was released from the hospital and returned home to Florida last weekend.
Zednik said when his neck was cut, he knew it was an emergency. "When I saw the blood, I knew I had to get up. I got to the trainers and said it's up to them now." Zednik said he remembered getting weaker as he skated to the bench.
As doctors and trainers worked on him in the Panthers locker room, Zednik said he remembers the tremendous amount of pressure they placed on his neck to stop the bleeding. "I couldn't breathe," Zednik said.
Zednik said he has looked at footage of the injury only once. "I don't want to go back and re-live it," Zednik said. "I remember everything, so I don't need to see the tape."
Zednik said he has recevied well-wishes and support from all over, including his home country of Slovakia, to Buffalo.
Zednik will not play again this season, but should be cleared to play next year. "I'm going to be wearing something for the neck," Zednik said, referring to whether he'd wear protective gear the next time he played.
When a similar injury happened to former Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk in 1989, (see related story), Malarchuk said he needed psychological help to get back on the ice. Zednik didn't think he'd have the same problem. "In my mind, I think I'll be okay. I don't think I'll need help."
WGRZ, Florida Panthers
